Israel wants fewer civilian deaths in future wars

A new Israeli report on the 2008-2009 war in the Gaza Strip says that Israel's army is taking steps to reduce the number of civilian casualties in future wars and will restrict the use of white phosphorous.

The 37-page report, which was posted on the Israeli Foreign Ministry's website, was delivered to the office of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday in compliance with a General Assembly resolution, UN officials said. "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has ... implemented operational changes in its orders and combat doctrine designed to further minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian property in the future," the report said. (Reuters)